
Beta-blockers can be considered to target agitation, restlessness, and aggression mood stabilizers (particularly valproate) for impulsivity, irritability, agitation, and aggression other agents may occasionally be considered, but data are more limited. In this case, second-generation antipsychotics are favored over first-generation antipsychotics.Įnvironmental and behavioral interventions are first-line in the management of posttraumatic brain injury behavioral disturbances. As such, use of benzodiazepines is not recommended, while antipsychotics may be used sparingly, unless long-term use is warranted for a separate psychiatric disorder. Traumatic brain injuries are associated with an increased risk of behavioral or emotional dysregulation such as agitation, aggression, or personality changes, as well as increased risk of subsequent mood disorders, namely depression.įirst do no harm: Medications that may interfere with neurological recovery or engagement in care should be avoided. 4 However, most head injuries, especially closed ones, which are more common than penetrating head injuries, typically cause more diffuse brain damage with varied types and severities of impairments. 3 Injuries in specific brain areas may be associated with certain symptoms or syndromes, such as temporolimbic lesions with aggressive behavior and epilepsy, subcortical brainstem injuries and reduced alertness and confusion, and frontal lobe injury with disinhibition, aggression, emotional lability, and personality change. 1, 2 Complex pathophysiology resulting from primary and secondary injuries evolving over minutes to days to months can lead to temporary or permanent deficits. The nature and severity of impairments resulting from TBIs vary widely given the range of injury type, location and extent of brain tissue affected.

Other impairments include personality changes, emotional or behavioral dysregulations, and persistent cognitive deficits ( Table 1).

They can lead to neurological sequelae such as seizures and strokes. Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to features denoting the extent of the injury to the brain. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acute injury with potentially long-lasting complications.
